I bought these shoes because my daughter had a pair of wonderful Merrel boots that I liked. I tried those out and I wanted a pair for myself. These shoes are very comfortable and warm, pleasant to walk in. However, they smell like cow manure. First I thought the smell would go away after a while, but it did not. My daughter's shoes don't smell, but this particular model does. I have had them for year now and the smell is as strong as ever. I have to keep the shoes in the garage and use them only for day hikes. I just think it is outrageous to get a pair of stinky shoes for this price, no matter how comfortable they are.